Why Surfing in Unawatuna is a Must-Try Experience for Travelers in Sri Lanka

Unawatuna is a coastal town in southwest Sri Lanka famed for vibrant coral reefs and stunning palm-fringed beaches. These beautiful beaches and laidback atmosphere hold special appeal to surf lovers enabling them to pick the surf spots offering the ideal setting for their needs. Whether it is a beginner to surfing or professional surfers, Unawatuna has a variety of spots for all skill levels. Read on to discover why riding the waves in this coastal city is a must-try for visitors.

Introduction to surfing in Unawatuna

Surfing is considered a thrilling watersport worldwide and enjoyed by many for centuries. However, it has different interpretations for different people, for most it is a physical activity that gives them a sense of satisfaction, for another set of people it is the rush of adrenaline while for others it is almost a lifestyle or religion that is taken quite seriously.
However, irrespective of which category you belong to every surfer takes delight in catching the wave steadily and riding it to the shore smoothly. The beaches in Unawatuna do not disappoint potential surfers with their sun-drenched shores and thrilling waves that offer novices, intermediate-level surfers, and surf aficionados the waves and breaks of their choice.

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You can plan the best period

While the beaches here provide the waves the period you choose to travel must be considered carefully to gain the maximum joy in surfing. Two distinct seasons affect the premier surf conditions in Unawatuna. The wet season in this region is from April to November and the waves are too boisterous for surfing, hence surf lovers should avoid this period.
During the dry season from December to March, the days are full of sunshine and waves are conducive for all levels of surfers. December tends to be a busy month with more crowds coming to enjoy the beaches on this southwest coast. Therefore, plan your surf holiday well in advance enabling you to secure one of the best Unawatuna beachside hotels for your intended surf holiday. With plenty of accommodation options available in Unawatuna, properties like Araliya Beach Resort & Spa are preferred by surfers as exclusive offers and extra benefits are extended giving them value for money.

Many unique Surf Spots
Surfers have the priviledge of selecting the beach most suited to their needs. The following are some of the best ones. They are also equipped with restaurants offering local and international cuisine and restroom facilities.

Dewata Beach – This beach offers a fine stretch of sand that gleams like gold under the tropical sun. It offers consistent waves making it an ideal beach for novice and intermediate surfers. However, more skilled surfers tend to use this beach as it is comparatively less crowded.  

Kabalana Beach – A gem of a beach with soft golden sand enjoyed by locals, visitors and surf lovers. With consistent waves, Kabalana is also a perfect beach for novice surfers and those with higher skill levels.
Bonavista Bay Surf Point – Bonavista is a fine surf spot for beginners in this sport.

Unawatuna Beach – This beach boasts a vibrant surf scene offering a mix of gentler waves and challenging breaks for surfers of all skill levels including novices.

Unawatuna Bay – This bay is a perfect surf spot for beginners with relatively calm water and predictable waves.

Midigama – Midigama Beach provides gentle waves, swells and even breaks enabling options for novices, intermediate and advanced surfers.

Availability of surfing schools and surfing equipment

To facilitate the availability of required gear for surfing and to coach novice surfers who flock to Unawatuna there are many surf schools and surf gear outlets available. These are a few of them.

Nalu Surf School – Offers private lessons for interested beginners and surf enthusiasts. They also have a store which stocks surfing gear.

Ahikava Surf – This local store stocks a large selection of surf equipment.

Surf School Boardwise – This school boasts ISA Certified Instructors coaching all skill levels.